Cambodia and UNESCO Unite for Groundwater Conservation in the Mekong Delta

• 30 July 2025
• Local News
• 1172 Views

In a significant move for environmental conservation, the Cambodian Ministry of Environment and UNESCO have committed to enhancing collaboration on sustainable groundwater management and heritage conservation in the Mekong Delta. This partnership was solidified during a meeting held on July 28, 2025, between HE Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, and Sardar Umar Alam, Director-General of UNESCO in Cambodia.

At the meeting, Sardar Umar Alam highlighted the focus on the Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA) project. This initiative aims to sustainably manage shared groundwater resources between Cambodia and Vietnam, addressing critical challenges related to groundwater depletion. Key objectives include reinforcing transboundary groundwater recharge, promoting communities’ sustainable use, and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.

The CMDA project is supported by funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UNESCO.

Minister Eang Sophallet expressed the Ministry’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with UNESCO and relevant partners to accelerate the project’s implementation. He underscored the importance of mapping and assessing the current rate of groundwater depletion to ensure water sustainability for future generations in Cambodia.

Additionally, the meeting also addressed the national beekeeping strategy, which aims to bolster local honey production and enhance the livelihoods of communities in protected areas. The Ministry emphasized the importance of primary production and community ownership of honey products to ensure sustainability and maintain high quality.

This collaboration marks a critical step toward safeguarding Cambodia’s precious water resources and supporting local communities through sustainable practices.

• environment